Italy

Italy is one of the largest wine producing countries in the world - only surpassed by France, in certain vintages. With a rich variety of individual wine styles, local climates and, most importantly, indigenous grape varieties, Italy produces the most diverse selection of wines on earth. Italy’s relationship with wine is also one of the oldest: it is believed Greek settlers introduced vines to Italy as early as 800BC and appropriately named it 'Oenotria', or 'Land of the vine'.

In terms of geography Italy has all the essential requirements to produce great wine: slopes, sunshine and a temperate climate. Vineyards are present in almost every corner of Italy and over 2,500 years the Italians have recognised their superior vineyard locations. Areas such as Piedmont, Veneto, Tuscany and Abruzzo have become household names, and are undoubtedly producing Italy’s finest wine.